Adventures in Faith

Grandson: Grandpa, why didn’t Jesus wear a suit and tie when he taught and preached?Grandpa: What do you mean?Grandson: Mom and dad were talking about the preacher not respecting God because he wasn’t wearing a tie this morning.Grandpa: Well son, what does that have to do with Jesus?Grandson: Well, if the preacher wasn’t respecting God by not wearing a suit and tie when he preached, wasn’t Jesus being disrespectful for not wearing one?Grandpa: Oh, you mean why was Jesus not wearing a suit, tie, and black patent leather shoes?Grandson: Yes. Jesus didn’t put on, what mom calls, “your Sunday best,” to teach. So, why wasn’t he disrespectful?Grandpa: Good question. But maybe Jesus didn’t have to wear a suit and tie when he preached.Grandson: I guess that means Paul didn’t have to either?Grandpa: What do you mean?Grandson: Well, our Bible class teacher read 1 Corinthians 11:1 to us where Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” So Paul imitated Jesus and didn’t wear a suit or tie either. Wouldn’t that mean that all who imitated Jesus would follow the Lord’s example in not wearing a suit and tie to the assembly?Grandpa: Hmm, I’ve never thought about it that way.Grandson: Grandpa, where did the law come from that you had to wear a suit and tie to the assembly to be respectful to God?Grandpa: Hmm. I’ve never really thought about it. I guess I’ve just accepted the fact that you had to wear a suit and tie to show God respect.Grandson: Well, if the Bible doesn’t teach it, then has God really bound that law upon us? If He hasn’t, wouldn’t that make it a man made teaching, passed off as the oracles of God?Grandpa: Well, I hate to admit it, but I guess you’re right.Grandson: So, proper clothing can be anything that is morally decent, right? Jeans? Overalls? Slacks? Work clothes? Or, even a suit and tie? So, grandpa, doesn’t God look at the heart, not whether you’re wearing a $300 suit? Wouldn’t God’s standard be the attitude of one’s heart and that is the respect He’s looking for?Grandpa: I guess you’re right son. By the way, will you do me a favor?Grandson: Sure gramps, what is it?Grandpa: The next time you have a question, ask your grandmother!